Press Statement

Mark C. Toner
Deputy Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

May 20, 2016

The United States is concerned about a growing pattern of intimidation, harassment, and detention of members of the opposition and civil society leaders across the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C.). A government cannot call for dialogue among all stakeholders while simultaneously harassing, arresting, and jailing those individuals expected to participate.

The United States calls for an end to violence, and for all sides to participate in a credible dialogue. The D.R.C. government has an affirmative obligation to protect all its citizens’ human rights to take part in the conduct of public affairs, and exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The United States is reviewing the possibility of imposing sanctions in response to this growing pattern of repression in the D.R.C.